Sports watches are nothing new. Whether simple fitness tracker or highly complex SmartWatch– They facilitate the measurement and recording of one’s own training successes. Especially in the open air, it is often about distances or orientation in unknown terrain. What would be better for this than GPS?

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GPS sports watches, too Heart rate monitorcalled GPS, are mainly used by outdoor athletes. Although the movements of runners can also be recorded with the sensors of conventional sports watches. But even canoeing makes it more difficult – here the sensors often fail. For the same reason GPS sports watches are suitable for skiing or inline skating. But the clocks not only measure, they can also carry – much like a navigation system. If you walk through unknown territory, you can orient yourself better with GPS. Position determinations are of course just as possible as the display of a route.

Difference to the smartwatch

The boundaries are actually fluid, especially as manufacturers are making more and more efforts to equip their watch with as many functions as possible. In the past, the smartwatch was ahead of the pack, especially with its connectivity, which is the wide selection of fast connections to external devices. Today, this is not so clearly separated for a long time. Finally, many barely go without it Smartphoneout of the house. That’s why many manufacturers provide their GPS sports watch also with a connection to the smartphone. When switching on, you connect the clock, then the current data is retrieved from the satellite.

So the only common feature of the different GPS sports watches is that they all have GPS. The variety of devices offered is now so large that you quickly run the risk of losing track. Therefore, it is important to understand what features are important to you before purchasing.

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Interval training is now as well with one GPS sports watch possible, as well as the round counting or the indication of intermediate times. Speed ​​and distance are still the easiest tasks. Also interesting: the pulse measurement on the wrist. But it has to be treated with caution – a chest strap just measures here more accurately. After training, you can be at home PCevaluate the distance traveled.

Otherwise, there is a model for just about every taste: Do you need Wi-Fi? Or rather Bluetooth for the connection to the home PC? It is also common compassor an integrated one thermometer, With which apps does the clock harmonize? Which web services are supported? But they all have one thing in common: Due to their field of application, all GPS sports watches have a particularly robust construction – and are waterproof anyway.

Popular with customers

Garmin fenix 3 GPS multi-sport watch
Not cheap, but worth it because of numerous additional functions for ambitious athletes. No difference to the smartwatch anymore. Comes with USB cable and AC adapter. With barometric altimeter, Live Tracking and 3-Axis Compass.

Polar heart rate monitor / heart rate monitor RCX 3 GPS
Especially for runners. Provides instant feedback, including proprietary website to evaluate the data after training. With chest strap for measuring the heart rate.

Suunto watch AMBIT 3 SPORT HR
Especially for ladies: Pleasantly soft bracelet, low weight, also suitable for delicate wrists. With heart rate measurement.